Roll Call Tribute

Marshall Harold "Spike" Beleau
October 18, 1942 – December 23, 2022

Marshall Harold Beleau, age 80, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away on December 23, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Marshall, known as Spike, was born on October 18, 1942, and raised by his parents, Irene and Harold Beleau, in East Texas and Southwest Louisiana.

He attended Texas A&M University as a member of the Corps of Cadets, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, and later a Master of Science degree in Marine Mammal Science.

Spike served 11 years in the United States Air Force as a veterinarian in Tachikawa, Japan, and Biloxi, Mississippi, as well as San Diego, California, where he worked in the US Navy’s Marine Mammal Program.

Following his military service, Spike worked in academia as a fisheries research scientist and professor with the University of Idaho and Mississippi State University. He finished his working career helping to research and develop drugs for animal health with Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, Illinois.

Spike achieved global recognition in the fields of marine animal health and aquaculture, authoring numerous scientific publications and serving on many professional boards and committees. He was a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and a Certified Fish Pathologist.

Retirement, and eventually moving to New Mexico, allowed Spike to pursue his many interests, which included bicycle touring, motorcycling, hiking, camping, travel, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, cross country skiing, tree climbing, woodcarving, pickleball, hot air ballooning, petsitting, watching movies, spending time with friends, and background acting in movies and television shows. He was always up for adventure and well-liked in any setting.

Spike is survived by his wife and soulmate Marilyn Chimes, who was with him on every step of his final adventures, and two sons, Michael and Stephen Beleau. He also leaves behind grandchildren Nicolas, Ethan, and Carly Beleau, as well as great granddaughters Rosalie and Isabella Beleau.